Mission & History

Running Strong's mission is to help American Indian people meet their immediate survival needs – food, water, and shelter – while implementing and supporting programs designed to create opportunities for self-sufficiency and self-esteem.

Running Strong was founded under Christian Relief Services in 1986. After Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) became the Olympic champion for the 10K, he made it his priority to give back to his community and create a better future for American Indian youth. He joined forces with Eugene Krizek and together they created Running Strong, aiming to bring basic resources and a sense of hope to some of the most impoverished American Indian communities in the nation.

Running Strong's work began primarily on the Pine Ridge and Cheyenne River Indian Reservations in South Dakota. We implemented programs to provide aid with food and nutrition, women and children’s health, education, and seasonal demands. Over the years, our service population and programming expanded dramatically. Today we are proud to serve American Indian people both on and off reservations throughout the United States.